WPG establishes task force to stop logging and business from operating without valid licenses

By Alfred Pagepitu

The Western Provincial government revenue task force is working to address the issue of logging companies and businesses operating without valid licenses in the province.

Provincial Minister for Finance and Treasury, Ron Ghemu, announced this to the assembly during their meeting on Monday.

He said the issue has created a significant revenue gap for the province that requires urgent attention.

“There are logging companies and other businesses in our province that operate without valid business licenses and do not pay for their rightful licenses or rights.

“These are leaks that need to be fixed, and my Revenue Task Force is working on strategies to ensure they are properly addressed,” Ghemu said.

The economic potential in the province is vast, and the government, through the task force, will strive to realize these potential revenue streams to help balance the consistent but downward trends in the logging industry sector, which is critical to funding much-needed service delivery in the province.

The recent endorsement by the executive of the Business Licensing Committee is a proof of the government’s commitment to ensuring that such a body actively engages in performing its oversight and expanding the revenue base of the Western province.

“I am optimistic that this will lead to greater positive outcomes in the future,” Ghemu added.

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